As an international student, you’ll definitely want to explore more of New Zealand in between your studies. Many of our students enjoy trips to other parts of the country during the school holidays and the International Department at Pakuranga College can help you to arrange travel. Popular destinations include:
Northland
A short distance from Auckland, the “winterless north” has beautiful beaches, Kauri forests, and stunning sea life. See where modern-day New Zealand was forged in 1840 at Waitangi, with the signing of the treaty.
Some of the amazing activities on offer include boarding down some truly epic sand dunes, driving along 90 Mile Beach, and snorkelling in the Poor Knights Island marine reserve. Stop at Mangōnui to eat locally caught fish and chips on the pier.
Coromandel
Another popular holiday playground for Aucklanders, the Coromandel is a short distance from the city. Fish the Thames coast, kayak at Cathedral Cove, and take a stroll in native bush.
One of the most popular things to do on the Coromandel is to take your spade to Hot Water Beach at low tide. Dig a hole and soak in the warm thermal waters while you wait for the tide to come back in.
Hobbiton
If you love Lord of the Rings, then make sure you stop by Hobbiton, AKA Matamata. Tour the movie set and relax in the Green Dragon Inn afterwards, just like Frodo.
Rotorua
New Zealand’s geothermal and adventure tourism centre, Rotorua is a must. If you’re an adrenaline junkie then Rotorua is the spot for you – race your mates down the luge, go for a spin in a Zorb, mountain bike in Whakarewarewa Forest, or go white water rafting on the Kaituna River.
If you want a bit more relaxation then check out Rotorua’s geothermal wonders, starting with a trip to the Polynesian Spa. Take a dip in the warm mineral waters or experience the cleansing benefits of a geothermal mud mask at the beauty spa. Then head to Wai o Tapu to check out the Lady Knox Geyser and the vibrantly coloured Champagne Pool, or experience Rotorua’s geothermal wonders for free at Kuirau Park, right in the centre of town.
You’ll notice that parts of Rotorua have a pretty pungent smell, a bit like…rotten eggs. That’s the sulphur gases from the geothermal pools. Don’t worry, you’ll get used to it and after a couple of hours, you won’t even notice it.
South Island
The South Island is full of stunning scenery and the epicentre of it all is Queenstown. Situated on Lake Wakatipu beside the Southern Alps, you can find plenty of thrills here. Head for the clouds and go skydiving, jet boat down the Shotover River at 85km an hour, or head to the home of the bungy jump and throw yourself off the Kawarau Bridge – a dunk in the river is optional!
If you want a slower pace then take a cruise Lake Wakatipu on the TSS Earnslaw steamship or head to the nearby goldrush historical village, Arrowtown. It’s especially beautiful in the Autumn when its trees a red and gold.
